Memorial Day Picnic – 2019

Posted on 06/07/2019 by Webmaster

Web_201906_Memorial_Day_20190601-170921 June 1, 2019

“Dziekujemy za wspanialy piknik”… “Thank you for a wonderful picnic” to Eva and Adam Ilnicki, who hosted the annual “Memorial Day” picnic on Saturday, June 1, at their home in Harleysville. 

Adam and Eva were once again gracious hosts serving delicious dishes of Polish sausage, pierogies, beef and pulled pork.  Tasty salads and side dishes were brought by guests as well as wonderful fruit and dessert items.  YUMMY!!! 

The party seems to get bigger every year with about 38 in attendance this particular Saturday.  The weather was nearly perfect with lots of sunshine and a lovely shaded seating area to enjoy.  Lots of laughter and catching up with each other was a highlight of the get-together.  Of course, security guard dogs were Aga, SABA, and a special appearance from Buddy (a Wildwood import).  (Watch out for them, they could kiss you to death.)

The Ilnicki’s front lawn was decorated by various MGs.  Those having fun at the picnic included Jim and Diane Sanders (1976 MGB), Louise Story (1972 MGB), Paul and Evonna Phillips (2003 Mazda Tribute), Jerry and Lee Keller (2011 Chevy HHR), Otto and Ruth Clavier (1980 MGB), Pete and Nancy Yaskowski (1960 MGA), Bill and Evelyn Webb (1967 MGB), Gudi and Wolfgang Fischer (2005 Volvo V70), Susan and Garth Gill (2016 Ford), Warren and Nancy Doerner (1977 MGB), Bruce, Deb, and Erika Swanson (1974 MGBGT), Chuck and Linda Daniels (Nissan), Pat and Patty Cawthorne (1952 MGTD), Chris Allwein (2012 Hyundai), Cheryl Corcoran, Rob Ilnicki (1977 Pontiac-MG), Wade Albright and George Melick (1959-60 MGA), Mark and Janet Singer (2016 Mazda), Adam and Eva Ilnicki (1952 MGTD), and Lew and Cora Phillips (2019 Subaru Crosstrek). 

— Bill and Evelyn Webb

 

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Wildwood Weekend – 2019

Posted on 05/24/2019 by Webmaster

Web_201905_Wildwood-Weekend_20190518-111341 May 17-19, 2019

The early bird gets the worm, and the early car gets the carport if you’re Pat and Patty Cawthorne. They arrived a day early to claim a covered parking spot at The MarLane Motel for DVC’s Wildwood weekend. Scheduled for Friday, May 17 through Sunday the 19th, the Cawthorne’s kicked it off by visiting one of Cape May County’s popular landmarks, Tony Canal’s Liquors, to stock up on essentials.

Friday afternoon witnessed the arrival of British cars including MGTDs, As, Bs and a Mini as The MarLane slowly filled to capacity with classic car lovers and lovers of another kind, a bride and groom to be and their wedding party goers. It didn’t take long for the fun to begin, as Sally Yocum quickly became DVC’s ambassador to the party going crowd.

Friday night’s dinner began with a chilly hike to The Mud Hen Brewery offering all the opportunity to admire Cindy Nolan’s trendy knee socks and Dick Suffredini’s classic docksiders. Abundant seafood selections, from right off the boat a block away, were devoured by most, with oyster Po Boy’s being the favorite. The oyster’s reputation was reinforced by Curtis Yocum who promptly became infatuated with Amelia from Serbia, who assured him that she was not related to the famous pilot.

The absence of babysitters, Tom and Jaimee (grandkids) and Adam and Eva (Dobermans), were realized Friday night as our group calmly drank and talked without worry about eviction, arrest or skinny dipping in the sea at midnight.

Fran was finally able to ride shotgun with Paul on Saturday morning. Her customers were crying and making appointments with their psychologists, but it proved to be worth it. The weather cooperated for a change and all DVCers, in their colorful classics, drove in caravan fashion through Wildwood, across the ICW to Rio Grande. The cars stayed together behind the expert lead car navigator, Gudie Fischer, who lead the group to the beautiful Willow Creek Winery in West Cape May. Wine flights, wings, cheese, crackers, hot pretzels, and other goodies heightened our spirits, as we gazed at the countless rows of grape vines basking in the noonday sun. A frisky jaunt of our caravan through Cape May brought applause from tourists and waves of approval from beachgoers as the caravan headed back to Wildwood.

Drivers and navigators alike rested in preparation for the evening’s food and fun at the famous Cape May Lobster House. Meanwhile, a patriotic trio of MGAs, red (Suffredini’s) white (Cawthorne’s) and blue (Nolan’s) took a needed break under shelter. The Sanders’ Mini, being the new “girl” in town, modeled for the crowd as Jim touched her up for an evening out. Later, our drive across the causeway and the sparkling ICW would tantalize the senses with its sea air aromas and sparkling views. Hungry anyone?

With the exception of our sponsors, Gudie and Wolfgang, all were amazed by the number of patrons packed into the Lobster House. It was the weekend before Memorial Day and a 45minute waiting list to be seated in the main restaurant drove our party to the vessel in the harbor for drinks. It was chilly but magical. Servers popped from below deck through portals, balancing drink trays and Adam and Eva appeared, seemingly out of nowhere, to join the party.

Once inside and warm, great seafood and conversation dominated the rest of our night together. Our British classics had performed flawlessly all day, and if our caravan’s trek back to The MarLane had been without incident, the Club would have set a record.  Fortunately, Murphy’s Law prevailed once again as Wolf and Gudie lost their brakes – a minor incident – and a long standing record of DVC mechanical failures during events was held in tact.

Footnotes:  Patty remembered everyplace we ate, Mike gave Curtis a pre-Memorial Day, military history lesson, Ben finally did get the trunk lid closed on his “A”, and Sally talked the bride out of tying the knot. All in all, a great weekend!

— Event Sponsors,  Wolfgang & Gudie Fischer

 

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Valley Forge Picnic – 2019

Posted on 05/06/2019 by Webmaster

Web_201905_ValleyForge-Picnic_20190504-130645 May 4, 2019

The day started with rain, and the hopes of the tour diminished as we started to ready our MGBGT V8.  As we drove to the meeting spot, the rain continued and our thoughts ran to “grab your brolly it’s drizzling outside”.  We were contemplating moving to an indoor alternative, the local Black Powder Inn for the usual hi-jinks.

As we approached the Starbucks in King of Prussia, the skies changed and the rain halted; we were gob smacked.  Bloody cool.

Dick and Sandy were waiting in their beautiful red MGA, 62 MKII, which once belonged to our dear friend, George Mellick.  Curtis and Sally were enjoying a cup while their burgundy MGB rested outside.  Jaimee and Gail, her other partner in crime, arrived next in the white MGA. (Tommy out enjoying the manly sport of Golf with MG’er Bobby Tiley.)

Brian Gumpert arrived in his BRG MGBGT 67, and was greeted by all.  Lastly Nancy and Warren had decided to make a go of it, and joined us in their blue MGB.  And we were off…..taking the closest thing to back roads to Valley Forge Park.

Our first stop was the Visitor Center, while we were waiting for the historical film to begin, Louise Story joined us in her MGB.  We were schooled in the history of the revolutionary war, and why Valley Forge was such a large part of the victory.

Next we stopped at the Muhlenberg site, where we learned further of the strategy of the elevated triangle of Washington’s army.  We got to see the living quarters of the infantry and of the commissioned officers.  A huge difference.

On to the Arch, where the club gathered for a photo op. By now the sun was shining. We continued to tour the park, Lew Phillips caught up to us in his not MG, as we toured one of the highlights, Washington’s home, and the train depot. We learned that the name Schuylkill comes from the Dutch, meaning “Hidden River.”

We picnicked at the artillery grove, a good old chinwag was enjoyed by all.  We drove to our final stop, Washington’s Memorial Chapel, where we were serenaded by the beautiful carillon of the Cathedral.  A great time was coming to an end.  We said our farewells, and drove off into the sunshine.

Thanks to all that participated, and thanks to Jaimee for bringing her cookies. Hope you enjoyed the addition of our British humor.

— Jeff and Robin Rose

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Tech Session – 2019

Posted on 04/20/2019 by Webmaster

Web_201904_Tech-Session_20190413-122722 April 13, 2019

A fine spring day saw 9 LBCs and 20 members (some in modern vehicles, but I included Donna’s 2017 Mini Cooper as an LBC) come to the Doerner Garage for the annual George Melick tech session. Folks that came were Donna Bristol with Gloria Schwab, Chuck Daniels, Dick & Sandy Suffredini, Bruce Swanson, Adam & Eva Ilnicki, Tom & Jaimee Rippert, Jerry Keller, Pat & Patty Cawthorne, Jeff Rose, Louise Story, Lew Phillips, Dave Sarley, and Lyn Hughes.

There was actually some work done on the cars including a cooling fan replacement on Ilnicki’s 52 TD, chassis lube on Cawthorne’s 77-ish B, distributor replacement on Louise’s 50 TD, and a little windscreen mounting adjustment on Doerner’s 77 B.

Additional to (or in avoidance of) the auto maintenance and discussion, Nancy and some of the ladies painted designs on wine glasses and coffee mugs. As usual, the pot-luck luncheon was delicious!

— Warren Doerner

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Anniversary Party – 2019

Posted on 03/10/2019 by Webmaster

Web_Anniverary_20190309-021205   March 9, 2019

The DVC’s 49th anniversary party was held on March 9, 2019 at the Pizza Como/PC Pub in Pennsburg, PA. After what seemed like a very long winter, it turned out to be a beautiful spring-like day that Saturday. Forty-three happy DVCers started to arrive about 1:00, and immediately started chatting, laughing and catching up with other members, some of which we haven’t seen in a while.

We were then asked to be seated so the server could take our food orders. After a delicious lunch, Patty welcomed everyone and announced that she would be stepping down as Chairperson that day. Lew Phillips stepped up to be Chairman at that time. After a few words from Lew, we moved on to Owards.

An Oward is a silly award that is presented to someone who may have had something go “not so perfect” with them and/or their trusty MG in the past year. Sandy keeps track of these things and then Tom and Dick put their heads together to come up with the Owards. The “lucky” recipients this year are as follows:

Pat and Patty Cawthorne
The problem: Their MGA leaks “somewhere.” On our trip to Cooperstown, NY this fall, their rears were soaked every time they got out of the car. Patty didn’t even have another pair of pants to wear because she forgot to pack them!!
The Oward: Official DVC plastic pants (like babies wear over their diapers) and official Moss Motors adult absorbent pads for their seats.

Jim Sanders
The problem: Jim’s fan belt squealed the entire trip to Cooperstown, NY (from the minute we left our starting point at the Turkey Hill in Ottsville!)
The Oward: A fan belt that actually squeaks.

Warren and Nancy Doerner
The problem: Their MGB was stuck in the mud at the Guy Fawkes Bonfire night in November. They were easily pushed out of the mud by a few hardy DVCers (Tom & Dick), Who aren’t the two you want pushing you if you don’t want an Oward
The Oward: A bag of “kitty litter” that he can carry with him in case they should get stuck in the mud again.

Adam Ilnicki
The problem: His TD suffered from overheating and vapor lock in the carburetors. His solution for that was to put wooden pinch clothespins on his gas line (lots of clothespins).
The Oward: Mounted to a plaque were lots of clothespins attached to a gas line.

Curtis Yocum
The problem: It seems Curtis falls asleep at DVC events. We have pictures to prove it!
The Oward: A bottle of “No Doze” (they’re actually ‘Smarties’) maybe the sugar will help.

After the Owards were presented to this year’s lucky recipients, we had the presentation of the “Book”. The highly coveted “Book” was originally presented to our founding chairman, Hank Rippert on his 29th birthday in 1974. The “Book” has been presented each year to someone new in the club since that time. The “Book’s” contents are highly secret. When you receive the “Book” you must swear to never reveal its contents to anyone who has not yet received the “Book”. It is suggested you take the “Book”, along with a bottle of wine, to your bed and open it there. Yes, it’s that good…………. Moving on, last year’s lucky recipients of the “Book”, Curtis and Sally Yocum, presented this year’s lucky recipients of the “Book” to Greg and Janice Lake! Congratulations Greg and Janice!

I don’t believe any MG’s came out of their garages that day, but Graham and Susie Gill arrived in their newly acquired 1971, Morris Minor Traveler. It’s a real beauty (it’s blue), and their smiles as they left the restaurant showed they love their new little British car.

See you at the Tech Session!

— Jaimee & Tom

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